My dog pulls, lunges, barks or growls on walks. Can OTDT help?
OTDT works with dogs whose walking problems range from pulling and over-excitement to significant leash reactivity. Similar-looking behavior can have different contributing factors, so Virginia begins by learning about the individual dog and the situations in which the behavior occurs.
Dogs without established behavioral issues may fit Foundation Board & Train. Dogs with established reactivity, aggression, anxiety or other serious behavioral concerns are considered for Behavioral Rehabilitation. Program fit is determined individually.
What distinguishes OTDT’s approach?
For your dog, OTDT focuses on more than obedience commands. Training develops calmness, impulse control, useful skills and responsiveness to guidance during Stage 1 of every Board & Train program.
For you, every Board & Train includes Stage 2, which covers the initial weeks after your dog returns home. During Stage 2, Virginia guides you in building your own leadership relationship with your dog and bringing the work into everyday life — an essential part of sustaining your dog’s success for the rest of his life.
Stage 2 is structured, individualized and milestone-based, with unlimited support and access to Virginia. It may include video review, practice around former triggers, and the gradual expansion of privileges and freedom. As you and your dog reach your training and behavioral rehabilitation milestones, Virginia also guides your transition toward a regular life together.
Which Board & Train program may be appropriate?
Foundation Board & Train — $4,200
The typical Stage 1 stay (with me) is approximately three weeks. Foundation is intended for dogs who need a strong training foundation but do not have established behavioral issues.
Behavioral Rehabilitation Board & Train — $6,000
The typical Stage 1 stay (with me) is approximately five weeks. Behavioral Rehabilitation is for dogs with established concerns such as aggression, reactivity or anxiety.
Virginia determines program fit during your free consultation as she learns about you and your individual dog. While OTDT does not offer a separate Puppy Training program, the Foundation Board & Train is ideal for young dogs as early as four months old. OTDT does not offer standalone private-session packages for general purchase.
Is there a guarantee?
No responsible trainer can guarantee a specific behavioral outcome. Results depend on the individual dog, the behavior’s history, the home environment, owner participation and many other factors.
Virginia’s responsibility is to train thoughtfully, communicate honestly and support the owner through the dog’s transition home. The owner’s consistency and follow through during Stage 2 are essential to making the changes begun during Stage 1 part of everyday life.
Who trains and handles my dog?
Virginia is OTDT’s only trainer. She handles the Board & Train dogs 100% of the time. No assistant, dog walker or other trainer participates in their training, walking, socialization or routine handling.
How many dogs are actively in training?
Usually two dogs are actively in training at one time, with a maximum of four. Training starts are staggered so the dogs do not all begin simultaneously and Virginia can give each dog the attention appropriate to his stage of training.
What is balanced training?
Balanced training means using a thoughtful range of teaching, reinforcement, guidance and accountability based on the individual dog.
Teaching begins through positive reinforcement. After a dog has been thoroughly taught what a command or expectation means, fair and appropriate corrections may be introduced when needed. Corrections are not a substitute for teaching.
Training also considers the dog’s state of mind, impulse control and relationship with the person handling him. Tools support communication; they do not replace teaching, timing, judgment or relationship.
What training tools may Virginia use?
Depending on the dog and training goals, tools may include food, leashes, slip leads, prong collars and remote e-collars. Tools are introduced thoughtfully and only as part of a broader teaching and communication process.
No single tool is right for every dog, and no tool by itself creates confidence, reliability or behavioral change. Virginia considers the individual dog, what he has already learned and what the training is intended to accomplish.
Does OTDT work with aggressive dogs?
Yes, OTDT considers dogs with dog-directed or human-directed aggression for Behavioral Rehabilitation. Acceptance and expectations are determined individually.
Aggression work requires realistic goals, thoughtful management and committed owner participation. Behavioral improvement does not make a dog universally safe or eliminate the owner’s responsibility to use sound judgment.
Does OTDT work with separation anxiety?
Yes. Virginia distinguishes among presentations such as separation anxiety, isolation distress and crate distress when speaking with owners. Not every alone-time or confinement problem is the same, and the website cannot diagnose an individual dog.
Does OTDT offer payment plans?
OTDT does not offer its own payment plan. Virginia sends invoices through PayPal. PayPal may independently offer financing or payment options to eligible customers, but availability and terms are determined by PayPal and are not guaranteed by OTDT.
What support is available after Stage 1?
Hands-on go-home sessions bridge the dog’s work with Virginia and the owner’s Stage 2 work at home. Stage 2 support is structured around the dog and owner’s progress and is not limited to a predetermined number of sessions or an arbitrary calendar.
Virginia may use video review, milestone progression, practice around former triggers and gradual expansion of freedom to help the owner apply the training in real life.
For a fuller explanation, see How Training Works and Programs & Pricing.
